galactose 1-phosphate

role in metabolism

...can enter the catabolic routes. Galactose, for example, is phosphorylated in a manner analogous to step [1] of glycolysis. The reaction, catalyzed by a galactokinase, results in the formation of galactose 1-phosphate; this product is transformed to glucose 1-phosphate by a sequence of reactions requiring as a coenzyme uridine triphosphate (UTP). Fructose may also be phosphorylated in animal...

Galactosemia usually is caused by a defective component of the second major step in the metabolism of the sugar galactose. When galactose is ingested, as in milk, galactose-1-phosphate accumulates. Therefore, the clinical manifestations of galactosemia begin when milk feeding is started. If the feeding is not stopped, infants with the disorder will develop lethargy, jaundice, progressive liver...